TRADING standards enforcement officer Phil Rodgers is used to giving out orders at work.

But there were some strange looks from colleagues when he arrived at the office yesterday - dressed in full military uniform.

Phil, 44, who is also a sergeant in the Territorial Army, is one of hundreds of servicemen across Greater Manchester celebrating the first Armed Forces Day, officially held today.

And as Phil admitted it was not a question of him barking orders at his work colleagues but more encouraging them to see him in a different light by carrying out a worthwhile and necessary part-time role within the country's armed forces.

He said: "I don't think anybody in the office has ever seen me in my uniform before, but the intention is to show TA members in their normal every day roles."

Phil, who lives in Audenshaw, has been in the TA for 13 years where he serves in 207(Manchester) Field Hospital, which helps provide medical care for soldiers on the frontline.

In 2003 he spent six months on the frontline in Iraq, where he tended to the wounds of injured soldiers and civilians at Sahib army camp near Basra.

Recruiter

Now a recruiter for the TA, Phil admits that if he had his time over again he would have joined the forces as a full time professional.

"Even in the TA it's a great life. I only decided to become involved at the age of 29, but if I was 18 again I would have joined the army. I have done so many activities including competition shooting, kayaking, orienteering and mountain biking.

"However, if there are any teenagers out there who are uncertain about committing five years as a full time professional, I would advise them to try out the TA to see if it's for you."

The event was one of a number held across Greater Manchester this week. On Monday councils held flag raising events leading up to today's celebrations. And today a whole host of activities will be held.

Serving personnel and veterans get free travel on Greater Manchester trams and buses and free parking at NCP Manchester Central and while restaurants, shops and other attractions are putting on offers all on production of an armed forces ID card.

There will also be events in Piccadilly Gardens, and the King's Division marching band will perform in Exchange Square.

In Tameside, there will be wartime songs, a military band and jive dancing in Victoria Park between 1pm to 4pm. In Bolton, First World War soldier Pte James Smith, shot for desertion and pardoned in 2006, will be added to a roll of honour.

In Bury, war memorabilia will be on display in Victoria Square and the town's Fusilier Museum, on Moss Street, reopens after two years of renovation work. In Wigan veterans will march to Mesnes Park where activities will take place from 11am.

In Stockport, there will be a public screening of the Ministry of Defence DVD - Recognise the Veteran - in the art gallery's War Memorial Hall from 2pm.